How to Become a Comic Book Hero

I used to dress up like Superman far more often than was considered socially acceptable. I thought the cape on my back would allow me to fly when jumping off things in my backyard. For as long as I can remember, I was always the small and weak kid. I got cut from high school basketball team because I didn’t have an ounce of muscle on me. Getting pushed around while playing any sport was a regular occurrence. However, the thought of becoming incredibly strong and powerful was something I left to my imagination while reading books, playing video games, and watching movies.

A few years back, I finally took steps to get stronger and more confident in my abilities, and became addicted to learning about fitness.

Nerd Fitness was born.

So, when I started this community, I wondered what I could do to actually BECOME a real life super hero – maybe not in the sense of mutant powers or special abilities, but an alter-ego that was a more badass, confident, and powerful version of myself.

My super hero would get to have his own persona, special abilities, theme song, code of honor, and more. It would be through this alter-ego that I could shed my day-to-day life for a few hours and become somebody new.

Up until recently I thought I had all of the components of a real life super hero figured out.

As it turns out, I was leaving out a key piece to the puzzle.

Here’s how you can become a comic book hero yourself…and the one element that will propel you to even greater heights.

How to Become A Super Hero

Alright – let’s turn you into a super hero! Much easier said than done, I know. Although, I’ve already covered many aspects of the super hero lifestyle in previous posts, here’s a quick overall recap on becoming superhuman:

1) Define your origin story. What’s that you say? You’re 400 pounds, out of a job, and living in your parent’s basement? Congratulations – that is your origin story. Here at NF, it doesn’t matter where you start, only where you’re going. You get to decide what kind of hero you want to become and how you’ll get there – you get to write your own epic destiny. You might not get bitten by radioactive spiders any time soon, but you can still decide that one day you’re going to do something great. And you ARE capable of great things.

For example, here’s my epic storyline: a humble boy from a sleepy fishing village is going to alter the course of history. (sounds way cooler than “a nerd from Sandwich, MA, started a fitness blog because he didn’t wanna be weak anymore”, right?)

2) Decide your super power. What do you want to be good at? Do you want to have super human strength? Lightning quick reflexes? How about an acrobat with the skills of an assassin? Maybe you want to leap tall buildings in a single bound? Whatever it is you want to do, that is now your super power and the skill that you will build your training around. If you need more direction in creating your own super power, I’m here for ya.

Personally, I want to be freakishly strong at body weight exercises, able to work out anywhere and everywhere around the globe.

3) Pick your alter-ego. This is the fun part – you get to decide what your super hero character will be called and your persona. Do you wear a cape? Do you smile? Do you jump around or scream and yell? Whatever it is that you want to become, make a conscious effort each time you work out to go through the physical and mental transformation:

Play your theme song each afternoon as you start your transformation – it’s like a real life montage!

Take the time to visualize your workout and how you’re going to get stronger.

Change out of your work clothes and put on your super hero uniform.

Look in the mirror as your new self, pump yourself up, and then go to “work.”

You truly get to decide to be whatever you want here – you can be somebody completely unlike your regular personality.

By day, I’m Steve Kamb, a full-time blogger and all-around goofball who smiles way too much and spends too much time at his computer. Every afternoon though, I transform into the rebel version of myself: a Vibram-wearing, ripped t-shirt-uniformed machine of a rebel that will exercise anywhere and everywhere in a city. I wear a permanent scowl on my face, I jump around like a crazy man in between exercises to psych myself up, and I generally weird everybody out within a 50-foot radius. It’s probably best not to disturb me when I’m rebel mode.

4) Decide your code of honor. What are you fighting for? Are you fighting for your family’s health and safety? Are you fighting to become an inspiration to those around you? Do you fight for a better life for yourself? Are you fighting to battle injustice and the overwhelming forces of Overlord Obesity, Captain Corpulent, and The Sloth? Whatever it is – you need to decide why you’re doing this.

Super heroes don’t exist for the fun of it – we exist because we are needed. As my buddy Mars says, “the world needs you.” It’s up to you to start making a difference on this planet – you might not have aspirations to change the world, but you can certainly change your life and influence the lives of the people closest to you.

The missing piece

If every comic book and super hero movie was just hours of “rah rah! you can do it!” back-patting and cheering with no challenges or enemies, they would suck:

Oh awesome, he saved a cat from a tree!

Oh great, she just received the key to another city from the mayor!

Weeeeeeee! Another fun montage of jumping over buildings.

Okay, that last one is always awesome…but the other two will get very boring.

Fortunately, there is always ONE element in a super hero story, book, or movie that keeps things interesting.

An arch-nemesis.

Batman had to rise to the occasion to defeat the Joker. Superman constantly battled Lex Luthor. Captain America had to take down Red Skull. Professor X constantly played a metal chessmatch with his friend-turned-enemy Magneto.

These super heroes and their arch-nemesis are often cut from the same cloth; two peas in a pod that have gone down separate paths. Each super hero’s arch-nemesis usually knows the hero’s weakness and exploits it whenever possible. Arch-nemeses always force the good guy to think differently, try new tactics, and push to better themselves in order to prevail and save the day/town/planet/galaxy.

Yeah, these are often terrible people who do terrible things. However, they also advance the plot, constantly create new scenarios that require the hero to increase his skillz, and ultimately leave the hero a superior and wiser man/woman.

It’s time for you to find your own arch-nemesis.

My arch-nemesis

I want to introduce you to my friend and arch-nemsis, Joel Runyon (he’s the goon sitting next to me in the picture above).

Joel runs JoelRunyon.com (how original!), where he blogs about doing “impossible” things. Joel is also fascinated at becoming a super hero, and some of his readers have even started calling him Mr. Impossible. About a year and a half ago, I “met” Joel when he emailed me out of the blue to say he was a fan of what I was working on with Nerd Fitness – I checked out his site and found that we had a lot in common (just like most hero/arch-nemesis connections):

Somewhere along the way over the past year, Joel and I started making fun of each other on twitter, in email, on Gchat, and on the phone…all in good fun. We’ve become good friends, but we also “hate” each other. And it’s tough for me – I mean how do you insult a guy who consistently posts pictures and stories of himself looking stupid? If you’re looking for some useless entertainment, check out our latest battle on twitter where we’re trying to determine who is the world’s least interesting man:

@stevekamb still believes there’s a monster under his bed

@joelrunyon When Joel does yoga, he spends the entire time in child’s pose.

@stevekamb ‘s favorite movie is “The Adventures of Mary Kate & Ashley: The Case of the Fun House Mystery”

@joelrunyon’s two favorite colors: beige and off-white.

Now, although I make fun of Joel as often as possible (my one of my favorite “avoid doing work” activities), I also really respect him and always look to get his opinion on the direction of my blog, my training, and/or any new projects I’m working on.

Why? Because I know Joel will tell me like it is without the candy coating.

I remember calling Joel from New Zealand back in February to ask him about a possible direction I was thinking of taking with Nerd Fitness. Most folks would have probably sugar coated their response to not hurt my feelings or blindly say “great idea!”; Joel told me straight up it was a bad idea – and it was!

Now, besides blogging advice, I also look to Joel for some personal fitness competition. I know that I need to stay in peak physical condition at all times, because I know I’ll never hear the end of it from him if out of shape the next time we hang out.

Back when we went skydiving in Portland in June, the group was given the opportunity to go up to 17,000 feet (though it was more expensive and we had to wear oxygen masks) – Joel and I looked at each other and both decided that we had to do it – we both knew that if the other said no, it would have been years of torment and insults…so we both said yes.

We constantly try to one up each other, keep each other on our toes, keep each other in line, and we tell each other like it is.

Find your own arch-nemsis

In my opinion, the world has gone soft these days.

You’re supposed to coddle people, tell them it’s okay to be lazy and blame their problems on anything and everything other than themselves. When people say “it’s too hard” or “but it’s different for me” or “I don’t like my job,” you’re supposed to give them an out and say “it’s okay, at least you tried your best (even though it wasn’t your best)” or “be thankful you have a job in this economy!”

Not on this site, sucka.

I believe everybody needs an arch-nemesis – that friend that will ruthlessly ruthlessly tear you apart instead of just telling you what you want to hear. You need somebody that will yell at you when you’re lazy, tell you to suck it up when you complain, and insult you mercilessly when you’re not living up to your potential. Personally, I’m a big fan of tough love – we all need somebody to slap us in the face and tell us to “get your sh** together!” We are all capable of great things, so it’s time to start acting like it.

Here’s what you need to look for in your own arch-nemesis:

Somebody who is at a relatable level in their physical or professional lives. It doesn’t matter if you need to lose weight and your nemesis is trying to gain weight, or one of you is self-employed and the other is climbing the corporate ladder. What’s important is that you’re both interested in bettering your life.

Somebody that is driven and competitive – it’s no use having an arch-nemesis that is content with sucking at life. You need somebody that desperately wants a better life for himself/herself and his family.

Somebody that knows your kryptonite – we all have faults that keep us from leveling up our lives. Make sure your arch-nemesis knows what you struggle with so they can call you out when you’re using it as a crutch.

Somebody you trust to tell you the truth. You probably already have plenty of people in your life who will support you no matter what and keep you happy. You need somebody that’s gonna tell you that you’re not living up to your potential, that you’re getting complacent, that your idea is pure crap! Tough love for the win!

Somebody you can have fun with – although this arch-nemesis will keep you honest and call you out when you’re slacking, it’s also important that you can have fun with them – unless you’re really crazy and want to pick somebody you REALLY hate…that might get interesting.

Somebody you can stay in close touch with – at least once a week. Tell your arch nemesis to hold you accountable for your goals. Tell him/her that you’re going to work out three times this week or you will pay him/her 50 bucks and run around your neighborhood in a pink speedo. Your nemesis exists to hold you accountable for your actions or inaction – back when Saint transformed himself, we would talk DAILY about his goals and struggles.

What if you don’t think you have anybody in your life you can turn to for a “kick in the pants” nemesis? Check out the NF message boards – over 2200+ people all trying to level up and become super hero versions of themselves – if you can’t find a friendly rivalry in there to push you and want to be better…you’re not looking hard enough!

The Comic Book Contest

You’ve got your super power, you’ve got your alter ego, you’ve got your call to action…and now you have your arch-nemesis that will push you to level up your life. Don’t ever stop pushing for a better existence.

Are you up to the challenge?

With Nerd Fitness hoodies coming out (we’ll start taking orders next week), I figure now is as good a time as any to give one away! To answer your first question, yes wearing a Nerd Fitness hoodie will let you control fire and shoot lightning out of your hands.

I want to hear your super hero story:

Who is your alter-ego?

What is your super power?

What’s your theme song?

What do you fight for? How will you change the world?

Do you already have an arch-nemesis?

You have until 11:59PM EST on Sunday night to leave a comment with your story – it’s okay to get indepth, but please don’t leave a novel – we have to read all of them after all, and I’ll be jet-lagged like crazy as I leave today for Ireland 🙂

Feel free to post your super hero story on our boards as well.

The world needs more heroes.

-Steve

PS – All photos in this article (except for the one of Joel and I) were shot and edited by Will Byington while I was in Chicago yesterday…these are just a small sample of the ridiculousness that transpired – more coming next week. Wanna know something crazy? Will managed to do these after effects on the photos in just a few minutes COMPLETELY on his iPhone. I think I’ve convinced Will to start a “how to be an awesome photographer, even on an iPhone” blog/site soon…so I figured putting this in the article will really force him to do it (because he is DAMN good).

What do you fight for? I fight for strength, for endurance, for the ability to succeed despite all obstacles.

How will you change the world? I will change the world one deadlift at a time! I seek to educate, inform, and be an example to people about how to eat, lift, live, and overcome obstacles. I want everyone to be the best they can be!

Do you already have an arch-nemesis? Yes. It seems like everyone is ready to gang up on me twitter . But specifically, @Crooked and I compete in weightlifting challenges, and @Citabean and I challenge each other in #nerdiness and success in life goals. If I was as awesome as @spezzy, I would challenge her too 😛

Robzilla

Who is your alter-ego? Robzilla. Because it’s like Godzilla, but more personal :)What is your super power? Unassuming strength. I’m very quiet, and have only been living a healthier lifestyle for the last few years, so I think I can be underestimated. I’m stronger than what most people would give me credit for, both in attitude and in physicality. (i.e. still a quiet unassuming person, and not quite at the physique I would like, so people are surprised that I can squat more than my body weight). What’s your theme song? Gave Up – Nine Inch Nails. I know, a song called Gave Up, wtf? I can be a bit stubborn though, and when I hear people say I can’t do something, or if there’s something I’m struggling with, it makes me want it that much more. Nothing makes me want to work out more than when my wife tries to convince me to take a night off. So when I hear “I tried, I gave up” it just makes me want to go harder. Plus, I dare you to listen to that song and not get pumped. What do you fight for? How will you change the world? As a kid I played a lot of games and watched a lot of TV. We’re talking 6-7 hours a night. It was basically what I did after school. I’m here to show people that even though I was lazy as a kid, and hated physical activity, you can still change your lifestyle as you get older and wiser. Do you already have an arch-nemesis? Do I ever! George Titsworth, or geekintoshape as he’s known on the boards. Actually it’s through the boards that I know him. First off, his last name is Titsworth. Seriously, how can you not hate that. Second, he’s a hard man to take down. He survived the hurricanes I sent near his home not too long ago. And I gave him extra work for his run last week and still nothing. I’ll get him yet though

Robzilla

*sigh* format fail. It was a lot nicer looking before I hit submit. Hope it’s not too much of a pain in the ass to read

Elizabeth Cruikshank

Alter Ego:
I’m sticking with Crooked – the name has been doing good things for me so far.

Origin Story and Super Power:
A
people-pleasing bookworm, I spent my whole life prioritizing the needs
of others and letting friends and family dictate how I lived my life. As
I was fairly insecure, I let a desire to be liked get in the way of
doing what I wanted and feeling good about myself. A few months ago, I
made a decision to be the driving force in my own life, to take action
and to set my own path. I changed my diet, changed my fitness routine
and changed my attitude (largely thanks to the amazing community at Nerd
Fitness). Since then, I’ve discovered my super power: I am unstoppable –
once I start gaining momentum, no force is enough to stop me until I
reach my destination. The only person who can get in my way and stop me
from achieving my goals is me. My biggest weakness (Kryptonite,
perhaps?) is a tendency to procrastinate, to put off for tomorrow what I
should be doing right now. I know that I don’t have to be like this, though; unlike Kryptonite, my weakness is one that I can and will overcome.

Theme Song:
“Ready to Blow” by KMFDM
This
song is a bit intense for some people, but it gets me pumped up like no
other. Other good training montage songs for when they make the epic
story of my life into a movie will be “Bodies” by Drowning Pool and
“Till I Collapse” by Eminem.

What do you fight for? How will you change the world?
When
I started out, I fought for me – to reclaim my life and health and to
get back to a place of feeling good about myself (without doing
unhealthy things to get me there). That’s still a huge goal for me; I
don’t think anyone can truly be an inspirational superhero who doesn’t
have his or her own life on the right path. In addition to that work in
progress, a big part of my new alter ego’s life has been working to save
the children (with Save the Children). Outside the normal course of my
day-to-day corporate life, I am volunteering for a nonprofit that I
respect, admire and trust to create a network of young leaders to do
fundraising and advocacy on behalf of the organization. We just had our
first event, a very successful kick-off cocktail party, and I’m working
to put together a board and key committees to move our council in the
right direction. I know that many people look at the problems facing the
world and think, “I’m just one person – what can I really do to make a
difference?” Ultimately, I want this network to both support an
incredible organization and to prove that one person truly can set the
ball rolling to change people’s lives for the better.

Arch-nemesis
A
huge part of being involved in a fitness-oriented community is friendly
competition, and everyone has been engaging in that to varying degrees.
I’m trying to fend off Barbarian Ogre’s attempts to beat my deadlift
numbers and I’m chasing after Kain’s accumulated push-up count. My true
arch-nemesis, though, is TheAnne. We discovered our superpowers (by
joining the NF community) at the same time and realized that we had a
number of similar interests. Our conversations about shared passions for
philanthropy and fitness, however, quickly went sour as our competitive
natures reared their heads, and now part of my quest entails striving
to best her in every manner. We mean business about this
arch-nemesis-ship; there’s a Google Document involved.

Elizabeth Cruikshank

Alter Ego:
I’m sticking with Crooked – the name has been doing good things for me so far.

Origin Story and Super Power:
A
people-pleasing bookworm, I spent my whole life prioritizing the needs
of others and letting friends and family dictate how I lived my life. As
I was fairly insecure, I let a desire to be liked get in the way of
doing what I wanted and feeling good about myself. A few months ago, I
made a decision to be the driving force in my own life, to take action
and to set my own path. I changed my diet, changed my fitness routine
and changed my attitude (largely thanks to the amazing community at Nerd
Fitness). Since then, I’ve discovered my super power: I am unstoppable –
once I start gaining momentum, no force is enough to stop me until I
reach my destination. The only person who can get in my way and stop me
from achieving my goals is me. My biggest weakness (Kryptonite,
perhaps?) is a tendency to procrastinate, to put off for tomorrow what I
should be doing right now. I know that I don’t have to be like this, though; unlike Kryptonite, my weakness is one that I can and will overcome.

Theme Song:
“Ready to Blow” by KMFDM
This
song is a bit intense for some people, but it gets me pumped up like no
other. Other good training montage songs for when they make the epic
story of my life into a movie will be “Bodies” by Drowning Pool and
“Till I Collapse” by Eminem.

What do you fight for? How will you change the world?
When
I started out, I fought for me – to reclaim my life and health and to
get back to a place of feeling good about myself (without doing
unhealthy things to get me there). That’s still a huge goal for me; I
don’t think anyone can truly be an inspirational superhero who doesn’t
have his or her own life on the right path. In addition to that work in
progress, a big part of my new alter ego’s life has been working to save
the children (with Save the Children). Outside the normal course of my
day-to-day corporate life, I am volunteering for a nonprofit that I
respect, admire and trust to create a network of young leaders to do
fundraising and advocacy on behalf of the organization. We just had our
first event, a very successful kick-off cocktail party, and I’m working
to put together a board and key committees to move our council in the
right direction. I know that many people look at the problems facing the
world and think, “I’m just one person – what can I really do to make a
difference?” Ultimately, I want this network to both support an
incredible organization and to prove that one person truly can set the
ball rolling to change people’s lives for the better.

Arch-nemesis
A
huge part of being involved in a fitness-oriented community is friendly
competition, and everyone has been engaging in that to varying degrees.
I’m trying to fend off Barbarian Ogre’s attempts to beat my deadlift
numbers and I’m chasing after Kain’s accumulated push-up count. My true
arch-nemesis, though, is TheAnne. We discovered our superpowers (by
joining the NF community) at the same time and realized that we had a
number of similar interests. Our conversations about shared passions for
philanthropy and fitness, however, quickly went sour as our competitive
natures reared their heads, and now part of my quest entails striving
to best her in every manner. We mean business about this
arch-nemesis-ship; there’s a Google Document involved.

Leah

Who is your alter-ego? Jael.

What is your super power? Dogged persistence and steadiness.

What is your theme song? The National’s Exile Vilify. Low key, but it’s steady and long, also my go-to soothing song. A reminder of all the reasons not to give up.

What do you fight for? How will you change the world? I fight for a world a world where I and anyone else with mental illness can thrive instead of survive. A healthier body means a healthier mind and exercise means endorphins and better sleep. I want to be less unhappy, with more regulated moods, with less fear, with the ability to fall asleep and to wake up, and a healthier relationship with food. Maybe, just maybe, if I can manage all of those things, then I can help someone else make their life better too.

Do you already have an arch-nemesis? I’m definitely going to head to the Nerd Fitness forums to try to find a real arch-nemesis, but for now I imagine my many amazing rugby coaches calling my bullshit, pushing me as hard as I can go and congratulating me when I do well.

bantergirl

Who is your alter-ego?She-WolfWhat is your super power?Strength. Agility. Tenacity. Ferocity. And one heck of a growl.What’s your theme song?Living Dead Girl, Rob ZombieWhat do you fight for?My pack–my race–and the survival of it.How will you change the world?Humanity is sinking in the mire of apathy and entropy. It is an arduous task, but if I must retrieve each member of my species from it one at a time, I will do so, while fighting not to sink myself. Together we possess limitless potential, and it all will be needed in the coming days.Do you already have an arch-nemesis?From the day I was born, my greatest foe and staunchest ally has been my big sister.

MissMoneypenny

The
Brain began as a chronically ill girl who one day had enough of bowing down to
Conventional Wisdom and decided to take her health and future into her own
hands. She uses lightening fast reading/comprehension (necessary to battle the
naysayers with facts and truths) and indomitable will power to change not only
her story, but also the stories of those around her. She fights for her health,
and for the health of those around her. Obesity and apathy are pervasive and
widespread in this world, and the worst part is that both are completely
preventable! She fights for accountability and the eradication of excuses. She
fights to make this world a better one, one person at a time. She changes the
world through her attitude and knowledge (earning an MPH in community health
education with a specialization in obesity and nutrition doesn’t hurt either!).
Every day, Miss Moneypenny transforms from a smiley, quiet student into the
fierce, tough superhero The Brain with a little help from Eminem’s “Till I
Collapse” (because giving up is NEVER an option) and her arch-nemesises: the
apathy that invades this world (it’s true that she must be the change she wishes
to see in the world, and she is making a difference through the strength of her
willpower), and her brother (who is nearly as competitive as The Brain, and as
such takes fitness to a whole new and much-needed level). Long Live The
Rebellion!

Benjamin Nutt

Who is your alter-ego?
Monkey-Man! It’s what a few special ladies in my life call me, and I think it fits. After all, I do like to throw my own bodyweight around (my training includes a lot of press ups and pull-ups), and I like to have fun while I’m doing it!

What is your super power?
Speed, strength, endurance, and power. None of these attributes are superhuman, but they’re all there, and I can adapt to pretty much any situation.

What is your theme song?
Dragon Soul – http://youtu.be/jcx-OurFpaM – what could get me more pumped than one of the intros to the best anime of all time? The song’s all about stuff like not being scared, protecting others, being optimistic and never ceasing to seek excellence.

What do you fight for? How will you change the world?
I fight for two major reasons:
1. For those who can’t – my sister is permanently wheelchair-bound, and can’t take care of herself. She has spent her life being unable to do a lot of things that other people can do. I was blessed with the power to do these things, to waste it would be a shame. She inspires me to be the best I can be, because I have opportunities and abilities that should not be taken for granted.
2. To inspire – I was an overweight kid, and struggled with eating disorders throughout high school. I’ve overcome my health problems, both physical and mental, and I want to show people that they can do the same.I’ll change the world by spreading my knowledge and always helping those in need of help or advice.

Do you already have an arch-nemesis?
My arch-nemesis is a growing army of people known as The Negatives. They like to claim that they “could never” or “can’t” do something to change the sad state that they’re in. They then try to bring me down for doing what I do. I value optimism, persistence, and hard work, while they favor sloth and excuses. My ultimate goal is to convert the Negatives into more positive people, and show them that anyone can be a superhero if they just try.

The Quixotic

I come from a house that has no objective beyond watching reruns of ghost hunters and stuffing your face with as much tasty greasy food as possible. I loved it and I watched T.V. and played arkham asylum with the best of them. I always wanted to get in better shape and have a better life but never thought of a direction to take. I took a job on a coastal town at a motel hoping to find some inspiration miles away from my xbox360. Out here it dawned on me how much time in the day there is and how much of it I was wasting. That day I realized if I put down the batman game and comic book and spent all day becoming stronger learning more about the world around me and trying to make it a better place I’d be living a life worthy of the batman myth. I then became
It was then I discovered my power. I have failed a lot in life and I will fail some more, but I adapt. When im weak I do push ups,w hen I don’t know I look for the awnser, my power is the thirst to achieve something new everyday. I found in myself a man who wanted to help people in his community and currently my energy and focus centers around studying to become an EMT and eventually a fire fighter. Way down the line after I have my black belt in BJJ I want to set up a a center where kids lacking in direction can come learn there skills study for school in a room off to the side designated for academic indevors and generally be around the people I wish could have guided me when I was younger
From my desire to help my fellow man, my love of martial arts, and the belief that all people on this world are better then theythink they truly are I found my identity. I am the Quixotic, an idealist with no regard for reality. My theme song is the Title song to the show” Man of La Mancha” the story of Don Quixote.
I have not found my arch nemesis but I am always keeping my eyes open for that worthy adversary.

Carsten

The backstory: A guy is stuck in a rut in, depressed and wondering what the point is in life, he turns to fitness and exercise. One day, he discovers parkour and his life’s goal is clear; to hone his body and train in various awesome skills and thus was born…

Captain sky Runner! Fearless and charismatic, using his powers of awesome acrobatics and athleticism to move through the world with freedom and flow, he goes about accomplishing his goal of showing the world how unlimited and empowered a person can be. So watch this space…

His theme song? Beautiful world by Mark Knight and Tiesto.

He’s yet to meet his Arch Nemesis, no doubt they are out there, biding his/her time.

Ok heroes. My father and I are going to do this together. We set goals,
our weaknesses and abilities, stories, etc. Its a little delayed, but
part of it was going through it this weekend with my father. So, here we
go – the Scout and the Equalizer! We both have been struggling with a lot of things lately, so we are taking NerdFitness’ superhero contest as an opportunity to be side kicks in our battle(s) against ourselves, social injustice, our faith, and personal and professional weaknesses. As we are side kicks, more than nemisis, that term is mis-used, but go with me on this one.

And away we go….

“The Equalizer”
Origin Story:

On
a cold day in January, a man is born in the snowy backdrop of a small
mountain town in the Pacific Northwest. With a working-class patriarch
and a blue collar attitude, he is bred in a humble, but suitable
incubator that brings a dedication to helping those around him. From
this home, he is to rise and become… the EQUALIZER.
Who is your alter-ego?

The
Equalizer is a dedicated, hardworking member of the financial services
industry. Devoted husband and proud father of two sons (eldest being
SCOUT), he finds satisfaction in the knowledge that his life has and
will contribute to the benefit of others.

Although
being a member of the now ill-received financial industry, dawning his
business-casual wear, he is to infiltrate the wealthy communities and is
keenly aware of how those possessing wealth are often times in control
of local decision making in the community. This modern-day Robin Hood
is not politically aligned or connected, he stands in the corner of the
common man by being the voice of equality for all concerned.

Abilities: Heightened sense of people’s intentions; ability to see through attempts to deceive the public.

The
Equalizer fights for everyone in the community, regardless of financial
or social status to have a voice in the direction of the community.
While typically mild mannered, the Equalizer becomes vocal when
witnessing abuses of those of means. By removing money from the decision
making process, he succeeds in promoting a community-based decision
making process. When the voices of all people are heard, it can change
the world.
Fight for: The oppressed and those in need a voice in the communities in which they live.

Do you already have an arch-nemesis?

Eldest son Scout, educated and motivating, will provide the stimulus for reaching my goals.

Goals:

Lose 5 pounds by Labor Day

Read a book (that we have ordered) with SCOUT and discuss what we learn

Attempt to find a CSI class that I can take this fall semester

Get Helen’s house rented out by 9-1-11

Open discussions with my wife regarding search for local church.

The Scout

Origin Story

A country boy is born under the
sweltering, Idaho sun. Son of “the Equalizer,” he is to rise as the prodigal
son and use his analytical and sensing abilities to bring together a community
of heroes and foster justice in a broken universe.

Who is your
alter-ego?

Our hero spends his days as a young
attorney. He is from a strong family of complimentary powered super heroes –
his brother an axe bearer, his father the mage, and his mother the spell
caster. This first born son, is asked to shoulder the scionology of a
family, overcome the hurdles of the large city, and recruit new heroes to
“the Crew.” The Crew now only consists of the four family
members, but his efforts in the large city are in attempts to gather more like
him. In doing so, he uses his hyper sensitive powers–the ability to
sense the emotions of any one person within his sight (this power is
limited–he can only sense one emotion of one person at a time, kind of like a
mood ring). Although his weakness is his physical stature and strength,
his hyper-vigilance, sensing abilities, and intelligence, coupled with a
blinding, short-sprint-like speed, make him the ultimate recruiter.

Although the Scout can use his
powers without modifying his dress, appearance, or general demeanor, he much
prefers dawning his grey hooded sweatshirt, much like a boxer, and jeans.
With a nice overcoat and killer kicks, he is able to blend in at most social
settings. Changing from his business casual attire, the Scout’s abilities
become much more acute. In modifying his dress, often with a nice
accessory, like a casual, but accessible, watch or other time piece, he jams
out to the Sims’ “Burn it Down.”

Uniform: Classy jeans, killer kix, grey
hoodie with overcoat

Theme Song: The Sims’ “Burn it Down.”

What do you fight
for? How will you change the world?

The Scout not only fights for
community action, but he will change the world by creating social awareness of
various topics, including the lack of mentorship and positive leaders for young
men who have no fathers. In doing so, the Scout spends his free time,
when he is not recruiting for “the Crew,” with youth through coaching
and umpiring sports leagues. In the shadows of his father, the mage, who
is an all-start baseball umpire, the Scout hopes to rise and become an elite
and positive example to youth.

Also, the Scout is in physical training. Under the guidance of his much
stronger, albeit less aware, brother, the axe bearer, he is engaged in an
intense weight gain program that requires him to consume large amounts of
deceased animals on a daily basis and lift heavy objects. In doing so,
however, he has found himself especially skilled in wielding the medicine ball
of might, a tool in which he may use to smash opponents, should his speed and
mind fail him. His weakness here, however, is ability is limited by the
weight of the ball – he may only use it once for every battle with the Crew’s
enemies; therefore, he must be wise in its use.

Fight for: a. Awareness/voluntary public
service of lack of mentoring for young men, especially those without a
father/older brother/mentor; b. keep “the Crew” together; c. create social
network of like-minded individuals for the greater good of the community

Do you already have
an arch-nemesis?

The Scout knows his nemisis, because
he sprung from his loins–the Equalizer. He does not believe the Equalizer to
be a nemisis, but a driving force. The Equalizer is not as physically
strong as the Scout, but his mental skills are far advanced–he cannot only
sense emotion of multiple individuals simultaneously, he can read animals’
minds and, if needed, control them. The Equalizer pushes the Scout on a day to
day basis as they are able to connect for their “Crew Executive
Meetings” to discuss recruiting matters and matters of the Crew family
expansion.

The father-son relationship has been through many trials and triumphs, but
resounds in love and respect.

Until then, the Scout remains the prodigal son, only to traverse the large city
in valiant attempts to better himself mentally, socially and physically.

Goals:

By
September 3, 2011:

a.
Physical: Weigh 185 pounds; master
15 medicine ball workouts;

b.
Social: Five dates with different
folks;

c.
Professional: Go on five
informational interviews;

d.
Spiritual: Attend two church young
adult events; mentor pilot program for men

I am The Beautiful Athlete
My theme-song is ”The Fire” by The Roots feat. John Legendmy super-power is: extreme elegance and beautymy origin story: Brave girl who only knew the inside of her room and the road to school, sets out on the fabulous adventure of her life, travelling through Lands known and unknown to human-kind, with her extraordinary soul-mate by her side, doing their thing and expanding all the way.